UK Research and Innovation

The complainant has requested a copy of an investigation report and electronic communications concerning the investigation between UK Research and Innovation (‘UKRI’) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (‘DSIT’). UKRI provided redacted copies of the requested information and relied on section 41 of FOIA and section 40(2) of FOIA to withhold the redacted information. It also relied on section 22 of FOIA to withhold draft social media guidance attached to one of the redacted copies of correspondence. The Commissioner’s decision is that UKRI was entitled to rely on sections 41 and 40(2) to withhold the redacted information. He also finds that UKRI was entitled to rely on section 22 to withhold the draft social media guidance. The Commissioner also finds that UKRI breached sections 10(1) and 17(1) of FOIA by failing to provide the requested information and to provide a refusal notice for withholding some of the requested information within 20 working days. The Commissioner does not require further steps.